Cancer waiting times at worst level on record in 2023 

A study conducted by BBC News has revealed that cancer waiting times in England during 2023 reached their worst level on record.

The figures show that only 64.1% of patients started treatment within 62 days of their suspected cancer diagnosis, leaving nearly 100,000 individuals waiting longer than expected for critical care.

This analysis shows that cancer waiting times have worsened every year since 2013 and now experts are calling for more to be done.

Gemma Peters, the chief executive of Macmillan Cancer Support, expressed her frustration at these figures, describing them as “shocking” and emphasising the horrific situation faced by cancer patients across the country.

Ms.Peters highlighted the impact of these statistics on patients, where individuals were left to experience long, stressful waits to find out their cancer status and start treatment.

She said:

“Today’s data confirms the shocking truth that 2023 was the worst year yet for cancer treatment delays. These alarming figures mark a new low and highlight the desperate situation for people living with cancer.

“Behind the figures are real lives being turned upside down, with thousands of people waiting far too long to find out if they have cancer and to begin their treatment, causing additional anxiety at what is already a very difficult time. With over 3 million people in the UK living with cancer and an aging population, this is only set to rise.”

Ms. Peters has called for the government to ‘make cancer a priority’.

“The Prime Minister has admitted the UK Government’s failure to cut waiting lists, which is simply not good enough. It’s time to stick to your word and make cancer a priority.

“We want to see a long-term cancer strategy to ensure cancer care is fit for the future ensuring everybody with a cancer diagnosis gets the timely and quality care they so desperately need and deserve,” she added.

Although data records date back to 2010, shortly after the introduction of the cancer target, there have been some improvements in diagnosing patients more promptly during 2023.

Approximately 72% of patients received their cancer diagnosis within 28 days of an urgent referral, marking a slight improvement.

But, waiting time data for Accident & Emergency (A&E) services and routine hospital treatments, such as knee and hip replacements, have shown that in January, around 30% of patients experienced longer-than-targeted waiting times of four hours in A&E, while the waiting list for treatment slightly decreased to 7.6 million individuals in December.

Tim Gardner, of the Health Foundation think tank, said:

“The NHS is experiencing a difficult winter amid an increase in seasonal flu and continued industrial action.”

He said the drop in the waiting list was welcome and a “testament to the hard work of staff”.

But he added: “Progress is slow, with the waiting lists stubbornly high.”

Further reading

Medical misdiagnosis or delay – Oakwood Solicitors

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